On the launch day of GM4Women2028, alongside Helen Pankhurst, Sam Smethers Fawcett Society, Eve Holt Diva Manc Kate Cook, Gemma Nash and Stella Bowdell, we the steering committee, talked with clarity, confidence and courage about the change we can realise for gender equality for Greater Manchester.

Collectively we spoke across the impact that businesses, organisations and institutions can make to drive the change. We spoke about the challenges still facing many women in the region today, and we heard from schools about the future they want to see for Greater Manchester. The scale of what still needs to be achieved by 2028, the anniversary of universal suffrage and of the challenges in collating meaningful data to assess the gender inequality across the region.

My own speech addressed not just the organisations and institutions we are calling on to make pledges, but also you the individual. And so in an effort to reach more of you with the same call to action for deeds not words, because we CAN do better - here is what I said:-

Our mission could not be clearer. We want Greater Manchester to be the best city for gender equality. And we want it by 2028.

The GM4Women2028 solution has been designed for success. Nothing of its kind has been done before and we can once again blaze a trail for equality from this great city of ours.

We can do better

This initiative puts the power for change in the hands of those that can realise it.

Us, we, you, the people.

The collective power of every individual, organisation and employers pledge CAN and WILL drive the change.

But how do we ensure we all deliver against our pledges? We have established a committee for each area, Safety, Education, Employment, Culture and Participation.

Organisations, institutions and employers who have formally committed to a pledge will fall under one of these committees. Annually we will publish the progress against each of their committed targets, in addition to the 10 scorecard indicators. Transparency is key to success.

Each committee will also create networks and organise events, drive the agenda, improve data and push for progress.

The simplicity and clarity of this initiative is that you, the business, organisation or individual define your stretch targets and own your solutions, we keep you accountable, together we make a difference, collectively we drive change.

If you would like to volunteer to be on a committee as we still have spaces– get in touch via the website or email us gm4women2028@gmail.com

We may well also form a committee around the individual pledges, for the change makers and firestarters amoungst you.

We have bags of opportunities for volunteers that want to get more involved so if you have time to regularly commit and skills to offer – do let us know, contact us by the all the usual channels.

And finally my last words are directed to YOU. You the individual with a voice, a spirit, strength and courage. Do not underestimate the power of your personal pledge and your ability to deliver against it.

Be Brave, take inspiration from Mancunian suffragettes and suffragists who came before you and showed you what can be achieved with Clarity, Confidence and Courage. Lets be the heroes of our own time.